The American Red Cross invites the community to participate in a blood drive honoring the memory of Kevin Joseph Smith Burke. The event will take place on Sunday, February 9 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Saints Joseph Francis Xavier, located at 808 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, IL. This special drive is dedicated to the legacy of Kevin Joseph Smith Burke, a proud graduate of Saints Joseph Francis Xavier School, who passed away from a rare heart condition in 2017 at 23-years-old.

Since its inception, this annual blood drive has made a significant impact, collecting hundreds of units of blood to help patients in need. By scheduling the drive on Super Bowl Sunday, organizers hope to encourage donors to give the gift of life before enjoying the big game.

Donors can schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-Red-Cross, signing up online at redcrossblood.org, or by using the Red Cross Blood Donor App.

“Saints Joseph Francis Xavier is deeply committed to giving back to our community and meeting the urgent needs of hospital patients through blood donations,” said Jeff Later, who organizes the blood drive. “With over 600 blood drives canceled due to the Southern California wildfires and severe winter storms in the East and Southeast, the need for blood donations is greater than ever.”

Every two seconds, someone in the United States needs blood. Volunteer blood donors of all types are needed to help save lives. Accident and burn victims, heart surgery patients, organ transplant patients, and those receiving treatment for leukemia, cancer or sickle cell disease may all need blood.

“We urge community members to donate blood and help ensure that patients in local hospitals have a supply of blood ready and waiting before an emergency occurs,” Later said. “There’s no better feeling than knowing that your blood donation may give someone a second chance at life.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or visit us on Twitter at @RedCross.

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